Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1887-09-03
THE COUNTY FAIR.


The organization, last Saturday, of the
Trego County Industrial Fair Association,
the particulars of which will be found
elsewhere in this issue, is step which the
World would commend at any time. In
the present condition of local affairs
such a step is imperative. In Trego
county the great object is to see that our
place in the line OF progressive develop
ment is maintained from new until the
coming spring. Our crops, like those
generally, have grown in streaks. 1t
follows that many farmers who have fail
ed to raise crops are taking agloomy view
Of the situation. It is a province of the
fair to place in review generous samples
OF the various vegetable and animal prod
ucts, which have hourished in Trego
county this year. Even to those who
have been the the most unfortunate in the
growing of crops, such an exhibit will
have the effect of restoring confidence in
the glorious outcome of this region. In
nearly all portions Of this county some
grain or forage crops have been grown to
maturity. In the eastern portion, but espe-
cially in the northeastern, the corn crop
is quite good, even when compared with
that in the most favored portions of the
north Mississippi valley states. The
Ellis ReOfezv, in an article which we copy
in this issue, makes the statement that in
the western half OF Ellis county and the
eastern half of Trego the corn crop is
better than in any other portion of west
ern Kansas; and we believe the position
to be correct. II it is conceded, then,
that Trego county possesses advantages of
positive character over, not only the
greater portion of western Kansas, but
over hundreds, thousands, yes, tens of
thousands, of localities to the east, south
east and northeast, what common sense is
there in not exercising the proper advan-
tages of our situation!
Things change and peoples minds
change with them. In 1880, for instance,
when it seemed that the population
would be swept from the face of western
Kansas, people in every other state, if we
remember Alright, had good crops. That
flag held up above the Notifications of
every western home the tempting invita-
ton to return to Gods country. In 1887
no such tempting offers are made. Hi
nois, young in years, but old in agricul-
tural achievements, beckons not at us to
concede that, in fair competitive dis
play this year between her agricultural
products and those of Kansas, the
former would forge to the front. And
eastern and central Kansas themselves
are not now in the business of discrimi-
mating against western Kansas. Illinois,
in her present inability to outstrip Kan
sas at a vegetable show, is accompanied
by her neighboring states generally on
all sides.
Again: In 1880 comparatively little cap
ital from abroad had been placed in west
ern Kansas. This year the conditions of
that period are transformed. Throughout
this county men of means have planted
their fortunes. It follows that the assist
ance of this potential class is with us in
the interests Of this county.
Taking into account the arguments which
have been advanced in this article, it is
patent to the most casual observer that
the depths of humiliation into which this
region was plunged in 1880 never can be
again. Trego county, to put
it differently, is now respectable. A fair
will increase her respect for herself, and
the pride, to use homely term, will
be catching.
Without attempting to outline what
should be the policy of the association in
making preparations for the coming fair,
we can say that economy will be observed.
this, some money will
be required to carry on the work. OPP
portunity will be afforded each of our
business men to contribute in aid of the
enterprise. The fair will aid Wa-Keeney.
We predict that our business community
will do their share in aiding the fair.